Are Skill-Game Apps Legal in Massachusetts?
This page covers skill-game apps you play on your phone in Massachusetts. Skill machines in Massachusetts bars, gas stations and convenience stores are a separate question this page doesn't cover.
Yes, cash play is on in Massachusetts. Skillz, operated by Firy Inc. (NYSE: FIRY), runs our cash matches and has not switched it off there. 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in Massachusetts; Carrom has none anywhere yet. Next door, Connecticut is on that no-cash list, so cash matches stop when you cross into it. Massachusetts taxes personal income, so prizes may also go on your state return.
That status is Skillz's platform decision for Massachusetts, not a court ruling, and states use different skill-versus-chance tests.
Which Atay games offer cash play in Massachusetts
| Game | Cash play in Massachusetts | US App Store listing, checked Sep 24, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Solitaire Real Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not Massachusetts |
| Gin Rummy Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not Massachusetts |
| Ball Pool Cash | Available | Lists 11 states, not Massachusetts |
| Sugar Cash | Available | Lists 5 states, not Massachusetts |
| Word Money | Available | Lists 5 states, not Massachusetts |
| Bingo Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Massachusetts |
| Block Puzzle | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Massachusetts |
| Bubble Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Massachusetts |
| Crossword Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Massachusetts |
| Pachinko Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Massachusetts |
| Word Search Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Massachusetts |
| Carrom | Free play only | Cash not yet enabled (open beta) |
Play in Massachusetts
Every game plays free first, so Massachusetts players can learn one before any entry fee.
Browse the gamesHow prizes are taxed in Massachusetts
Massachusetts taxes personal income, so prizes may go on your Massachusetts return. The Massachusetts Department of Revenue decides how Massachusetts treats them. Federally, prizes are taxable income for Massachusetts players with or without a tax form; see 1099s and Skillz winnings under $2,000.
Cash play in states bordering Massachusetts
Crossing from Massachusetts into Connecticut switches cash matches off.
Elsewhere in the New England region (US Census division):
Questions about skill-game apps in Massachusetts
Can I play Atay games for cash in Massachusetts?
Yes, 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in Massachusetts. Carrom has no cash play yet.
Does it matter where in Massachusetts I am?
No. Skillz sets eligibility by state from your phone's location, so Boston gets the same answer as any small town in Massachusetts.
What happens if I cross from Massachusetts into Connecticut?
Cash matches switch off once your phone is in Connecticut. Free play keeps working, and cash play returns when you are back in Massachusetts.
Does Massachusetts tax prizes from skill-game apps?
It can. Prizes are income, and Massachusetts has a state income tax; check the Massachusetts Department of Revenue's guidance for your situation.
Massachusetts status per the Skillz help center (eligibility, cash-disabled areas, skill-game legality) and US App Store listings. General information, not legal advice; Skillz can change cash availability.